Bridge Project A Real Hit For Some

March 11, 1997|By Annemarie Mannion.

ST. CHARLES — City officials began chipping away Monday at the work needed to complete a bridge reconstruction project when they swung gold mallets over their heads and brought them down with all their might to the pavement.

"Come on, put your backs into it," shouted one of about 40 residents, city staff members, downtown business owners and elected officials who attended the Bridge Bash, held to mark the start of an $11.5 million road and bridge reconstruction project in St. Charles.

The mallet swingers were not about to dance in the street, but they were trying to make the best of a project that is expected to slow traffic through the downtown business district until November.

The 85-year-old Main Street bridge crossing the Fox River will be replaced, and the street will be reconstructed between 15th Street on the west and 8th Avenue on the east.

Only a bit of asphalt dust flew when Mayor Fred Norris struck his ceremonial mallet on the pavement, but he said it signaled the start of an important project for the community.

"This is probably the biggest project ever to hit our town," he said. "We have to grit our teeth and we know we'll get through it."

The bridge is being reconstructed to include architectural features in keeping with several 1920s through 1940s buildings downtown. The bridge will have four domed alcoves where pedestrians may sit to enjoy the rush of water below.

During construction, drivers who do not have to go downtown will be encouraged to detour to Main Street.

John Koulis, owner of the Manor Restaurant, where the Bridge Bash was held, said his restaurant will be open, but he is not enthusiastic about the prospect of losing business during the project.

"After they build it, it will be very nice. We have to look forward to it. We have no choice," he said.

Drinking coffee nearby at the restaurant with several friends, Warren Swenson of unincorporated St. Charles said he already knows how he will survive the project.